Vervain

Vervain
(Verbena officinalis)

Folk Names: Brittanica, Enchanter's Plant, Herba Sacra, Herb of
Enchantment, Herb of Grace, Herb of the Cross, Holy Herb, Juno's Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonwood, Simpler's Joy, Van-Van, Verbena, Vervan
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Earth
Deities: Ceridwen, Mars. Venus, Aradia,k Isis, Jupiter, Thor, Juno
Powers: Love, Protection, Purification, Peace, Money, Youth, Chasity, Sleep, Healing
Ritual Uses: Priests in ancient Rome used vervain to cleanse the altars of Jupiter. Small bundles of vervain were fashioned and the altars were swept with these. According to tradition, daughtersd of Druids who were initiated were crowned with vervain; this was a sign of the attained rank (As with anything 'Druidic,' this has to be looked upon as poetic, rather than historic fact - Cunningham's words.) 
Magical Uses: Vervain is traditionally gathered at Midsummer or at the rising of the Dog Star when neither Sun nor Moon is out, but this is not necessary.
  Vervain is a common ingredient in love mixtures and protective spells. A crown of vervain on the head protects the magician while invoking spirits. Any part of the plant may be carried as a personal amulet. Vervain placed in the home portects it from lightning and storms.
   The infusion sprinkled around the premises chases off evil spirits and maligant forces. Vervain is also added to exorcism incenses and sprinkling mixtures. It is also a common ingredient in purification bath sachets.
   The dried herb is scattered around the home as a peace-bringer and is also worn to clam the emotions.
   Vervain is used in money and prosperity spells. If the herb is buried in the garden or placed in the house, wealth will flow and plants will thrive.
   To remain chaste for long periods of time, rise before the Sun on the first day of the New Moon. Gather vervain (still before sunrise), press out its juice and drink it down. According to ancient instructions, it will cause you to lose all desire for sex for seven years.
   Vervain carried may offer everlasting youth, and when placed in the bed, hung around the nexk, or made into an infursion and drunk prior to sleep, no dreams will haunt you.
   Vervain is also a fine healing herb. The undiluted juice of the vervain smeared on the body cures diseases and guards against future health problems. To aid in recuperation the root tied with a yard of white yarn is placed around the patient's neck. It should remain there until recovery.
   To discover if someone lying sick will live or die, place vervain in your hand and press it against the patient, so that the herb is undetected. Ask them how they feel; if they are hopefuyl they shall live; if not they might not.
   If someone you know has taken something from you, wear vervain and confront the person. You shall surely regain possession of the stolen article(s).
   If vervain is placed in a baby's cradle the child will grow up with a happy disposition and a love of learning.
   The juice of vervain, smeared on the body, will allow the person to see the future, have every wish fulfilled, turn enemies into friends, attract lovers and be protected against allo enchantments. Burnt, it dispels unrequited love.
[From "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs"]

The Wizard's Plant

Vervain was considered so sacred and important in ancient times that it was known by a host of names that reflect the awe in which it was held, including Enchanter's Plant, the Herb of Grace, Holy Wort, and Wizard
's Plant. On the isle of Man it was considered so important it was called simply The Herb (Yn Lus) or The Chief Herb (Yn Ard Lus). When picked in Lancashire, you would say "Hallowed by Thou, Vervain, If Thou growest on the ground."

  Pliny's "Natural History" included Vervain as one of the four herbs used by the Ancient Druids, the other three being Mistletoe, Sdago (probably Fir Club Moss) and a plant he termed Samalus, which is thought to be either Brookweed, Pasque-flower, Water Pimpernel or Marshwort. According to Pliny, the Druids harvested Vervain just before it flowered, at the dusk of the moon with Sirius rising. It had to be cut with a sickle and raised aloft by the left hand, after which an offering of honey or honeycomb was given to the earth. It was considered a cure-all and in Gaul was used for divination and prophesying.

 Contemporary Druids believe Vervain can stimulate the flow of inspiration (Awen) since, according to the poem "The Chair of Taliesin", it was one of ingredients of Ceridwen's cauldron. The poem was found in a thirteenth-century manuscript, but was undoubtfully inspired by earlier material. The other ingredients listed are sea foam, Rowan berries, Lesser Celandine and Wort - probably Flixweed.

  An infusion of the leaves can be sprinkled in your bath or taken as a tea to encourage creative inspiriation, and bunches of Vervain can be used to decorate your altar or to ritually sweep your sacred space.
[From: "The Druid Plant Oracle" by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm]
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In England the Common Vervain is found growing by roadsides and in sunny pastures. It is a perennial bearing many small, pale-lilac flowers. The leaves are opposite, and cut into toothed lobes. The plant has no perfume, and is slightly bitter and astringent in taste. The name Vervain is derived from the Celtic ferfaen, from fer (to drive away) and faen (a stone), as the plant was much used for affections of the bladder, especially calculus.

Another derivation is given by some authors from Herba veneris, because of the aphrodisiac qualities attributed to it by the Ancients. Priests used it for sacrifices, and hence the name Herba Sacra. The name Verbena was the classical Roman name for 'altar-plants' in general, and for this species in particular. The druids included it in their lustral water, and magicians and sorcerers employed it largely. It was used in various rites and incantations, and by ambassadors in making leagues. Bruised, it was worn round the neck as a charm against headaches, and also against snake and other venomous bites as well as for general good luck.

It was thought to be good for the sight. Its virtues in all these directions may be due to the legend of its discovery on the Mount of Calvary, where it staunched the wounds of the crucified Saviour. Hence, it is crossed and blessed with a commemorative verse when it is gathered. It must be picked before flowering, and dried promptly.

MEDICINAL USES

It is recommended in upwards of thirty complaints, being astringent, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, etc. It is said to be useful in intermittent fevers, ulcers, ophthalmia, pleurisy, etc., and to be a good galactogogue. It is still used as a febrifuge in autumn fevers.

As a poultice it is good in headache, earneuralgia, rheumatism, etc. In this form it colours the skin a fine red, giving rise to the idea that it had the power of drawing the blood outside. A decoction of 50 ml to 1 litre of water, taken in the course of one day, is said to be a good medicine in purgings, easing pain in the bowels. It is often applied externally for piles. It is used in homoeopathy.

[From luminescents.co.uk website]

About Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) - also known as American Vervain, False Vervain, Indian Hyssop, Purvain, Simpler's Joy, Traveler's Joy, Vervain, and Wild Hyssop- this perennial herb is native to the northern U.S., England, and Canada. It can be found along roadsides and in open sunny fields.

The plant reaches a height of 2-5 feet and has serrated leaves, 3- 6 inches long. The Blue Vervain's blooms June - September, and is in the form of small, deep blue or purplish-blue flowers clustered in dense spikes, 2 to 3 inches long. The fruit consists of four nutlets which ripen soon after the plant flowers.

The seed, or fruit can be roasted and dried, then pulverized into a pinole flour.

The leaves and roots can be boiled in a tea or infusion. Blue Vervain is a natural tranquilizer and is used as an antiperiodic for nervous problems.
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As a tea it is used to treat fevers and colds, especially as a natural expectorant for getting rid of congestion in throat and chest. It can also be used for insomnia, eliminating intestinal worms, treating kidney stones, and as an anti-diarrheal. Taken cold, the infusion acts as a tonic. Externally, Blue Vervain tea heals sores and wounds.

Medicinal tea: To 1 tbsp. dry herb add 1 pint boiling water, steep 10 min. take 1 tbsp. up to six times a day and take ½ teacup (2 oz.) warm before bedtime.

This is provided on an informational basis. It is not recommended for individuals to attempt to identify and use herbs found in the woods. For any persistent ailment, consult your physician.